Can dogs eat strawberries?

Can dogs eat strawberries? Strawberries mean summertime in the UK. Think July and you think Wimbledon, strawberries and cream. They look a beautiful and a shiny bold red at their peak. They carry a vivid strawberry scent and an oh so sweet strawberry taste. Fresh strawberries are like no other treat, whether for human or canine.

So when they are in abundance they are a perfect finger food, but are they safe for your dog or are they toxic for dogs? As dog owners we know that grapes for instance are certainly not safe for your pup. But can dogs eat strawberries? The answer is a resounding yes, they are a healthy treat.

Benefits of Strawberries for Dogs

Being bright red we get the clue that strawberries are packed with antioxidants. They are also high in fibre and vitamin C and help you and your dogs immune system and also claims of assisting with the aging process. Even though sweet to taste there is not a overly high sugar content and the fructose carries no particular threat to pet health. The acidic nature can also help to whiten teeth.

How to Safely Feed Strawberries to Your Dog

So now that you know that you can give your dogs strawberries, what is the safest way to do it? There isn't a great deal of fussing or preparation needed. Washing is advisable but not entirely essential and the fresh fruits should be cut to a suitable size so as not to present a choking hazard. for puppies or even adults the strawberries can be mashed and either eaten as a puree or put into ice trays and eat as frozen strawberries or ice cubes.

Add new dietary items slowly to avoid stomach upset and the possibility of vomiting and diarrhoea. As with all dietary additions or changes, if strawberries are new to your dog then introduce them slowly and a little at a time. Obviously monitor the dog's reaction afterwards.

Health benefits for dogs eating strawberries 

Strawberries are clearly not a suitable main food for humans and dogs alike. We are both omnivores and capable of digesting meats or protein, vegetables, salads and fruits. This does not however mean you will not suffer with either gastrointestinal discomfort or stomach upset if you overdo it. This is even more important for dogs, just a small amount as a treat is sufficient, and not an intestinal blockage size bowl!

We alluded earlier to many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Potassium, manganese and of course vitamin C are present in high volumes.

Vitamin C, as with humans is essential for the immune system. Manganese helps with the uptake and absorption of amino acids and carbohydrates. Potassium further adds to the efficient functioning of the central nervous system.

Folic acid is also present as a trace element. In correct portions and as an additive to the diet, strawberries are a great fresh supplemental treat that both you and your pet can enjoy together.

How many strawberries can my dog eat?

It is recommended to keep the volume of strawberries to a sensible level. Veterinary practices often suggest keeping additives and treats to no more than 10% of the dog's consumption for the day. As many of us have memories of the pick your own fields visited during childhood.

Some will still vividly remember carrying 10 punnets out from the farm. 5 in your stomach and 5 in your hands! Some of us will also recollect the ensuing tummy discomfort and runny bottoms. We owe it to our pets to not to let our pets suffer the same way.

Albeit the sugars are natural and in the fructose form, an abundance of sugar in the dog's diet is not at all preferable. Canine diabetes is on the rise so sugars of all origins should be monitored and restricted whether they originate from fruits and vegetables.

What about feeding strawberries to puppies? 

Strawberries are also completely safe for puppies to eat. Cut them into small pieces or mash them for your little pup. Make sure the pieces are a suitable size and small enough to swallowed by your baby dog.

Puppies may well have a sensitive tummy, being so young so be very gentle with them and introduce tiny amounts of foods and treats one at a time. It is very important in the early weeks and months to avoid any stomach issues at an important growth time for them when they need to be absorbing all the high quality foods they can.

In conclusion to the question can dogs eat strawberries, yes they certainly can in moderation!